Seek opportunities to show you care. The smallest gestures often make the biggest difference.
John WoodenRead
The goal in life is the same as in basketball: make the effort to do the best you are capable of doing--in marriage, at your job, in the community, for your country. Make the effort to contribute in whatever way you can. You may do it materially or with time, ideas, or work. Making the effort to contribute is what counts. The effort is what counts in everything.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The key to success in life is making an effort to contribute your best in all areas, including relationships and work.
John Wooden emphasizes that the fundamental goal of life parallels that of basketball: to strive for excellence and contribute positively in various aspects of life such as marriage, work, and community. He asserts that it is the effort we put into our endeavors that truly matters, regardless of the form it takes—be it time, ideas, or tangible contributions.
Themes
EffortContributionExcellenceMotivationSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to students about striving for excellence.
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